DYNAMIS!
A publication of St. George Orthodox Christian Cathedral
Wichita, KS

Philippians 2:17-23     (10/20)      Epistle for Tuesday of the Twentieth Week after Pentecost

 

Apostolic Admonitions II ~ Care For the Brethren: Philippians 2:17-23, especially vs. 20: “For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state.”  The Epistle to the Philippians was dispatched by Saint Paul and hand-carried by Epaphroditus, the very courier who only recently had brought financial help from Philippi to the Apostle (Phil 2:25).  In this portion of the Epistle, notice that the Apostle informs the Philippians that “...as soon as I see how it goes with me” (vs 23), Timothy will be sent to them, not simply with information about the Apostle’s case, but to return with encouragement about them to him, “...when I know your state” (vs 19).  He adds to the note: “I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly” (vs 24).

Read between the lines and note the ‘mutual’ concern implied in these comments.  Saint Paul’s remarks were not just words, but genuine care shared as one does in a family of Faith.  Observe the financial aid, the couriers covering long distances, and the personal visits.  As we examine today’s reading, be alert to the nature of true concern among brethren in the Faith, for the Apostle is admonishing us to love, not just in words and precepts but by tangible actions.

Applying Winston Churchill’s words to the efforts required to care for one’s fellow Christians truly, we must offer our own “blood, and sweat, and tears, and toil,” to God on behalf of one another.  The image of a libation that the Apostle employs (vs 17) transmutes his own personal struggles into an offering to God on behalf of the Philippians.  Libations, or “drink offerings,” required wine, oil, or broth - some precious liquid.  These were poured out to God  (see Num 28:7).  Review the example of this practice in the call of Gideon (Jdg 6:19,20).  The point in a libation is utter surrender to God of the very best from the staples of life.  It was a means to express the giving of the best of oneself to the Lord.  Libations emphasize that there is no reservation or withholding (Mal 1:7,8).  Like holocaust offerings, libations were poured out seemingly in an “utter waste” to the eye of a disinterested observer (Mk 14:3-5).

To conceive of one’s entire life as a libation, as an unrestrained pouring out to God for others, certainly runs counter to the consumerist advertising of 'Indulge yourself; you deserve the best; satisfy your cravings; you are worth it!'  Self-offering is the essence of the Gospel.  Take the example of Gideon: when he understood what the Lord was asking and resolved in his heart to serve God, he said to the Angel, “'...If now I have found favor in Your sight then...Do not leave from, I pray, until I come to You and I will bring out my offering...'” (Jdg 6:17,18).

'Everything committed to God' was the case with Saint Paul: “...I am glad and rejoice with you all.  For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me” (Phil 2:17,18).  Let us so offer our lives in this manner - our service in the Church, our care for our children or our elderly parents, our struggles with pain - all that life brings.  If everything is committed to God on behalf of the faithful, then life is transformed into a libation of love.

What is more, true caring for others is personal.  The Philippians send Epaphroditus.  The Apostle would send Timothy, who served him like a son with his father (vs 22).  If possible, the Apostle would go to Philippi himself - because he cared (vs 24).  We speak of ‘hands on’ care, meaning more than verbalized love, implying direct, immediate service for the other.

Note: Saint Paul, to show true caring 'in the Lord Jesus,' planned to send Timothy because “...I have no one like-minded who will sincerely care for your state” (vs 20).  In the original, the phrase is “like-souled” - mind, emotions and will - of which Saint John Chrysostom says:“This then is that like-mindedness, to love the disciples as the master loves them...,” without restraint.

O Lord, grant us to serve Thy People as unto Thee alone, with pure hearts and minds.

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